Networking for Accountants

In any environment, networking is beneficial but in Melbourne, it is essential. Melbourne is often referred to as a ‘bubble’ and Accountants are linked in the Business Services space through two degrees of separation. If you network well, it can give you long lasting results and catapult your development and career.

Apart from always having a business card with you, networking doesn’t necessarily require any preparation; go in with an open mind and an appetite to learn.

What are the benefits of networking?

Access to career opportunities
Meeting new people can open doors. It’s as simple as that. Speaking to a decision maker or a hiring manager will keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise.

Career advice and gaining fresh ideas
Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of networking. Discussing common challenges and opportunities will lead to valuable suggestions and guidance. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of your roles; by speaking to peers in different companies, you can gain insights that only come from viewing a situation with fresh eyes.

Boost confidence
Put yourself out there and meet new people, it will build invaluable social and self-confidence skills that are transferable. The more you network, the more you’ll grow and learn how to make meaningful relationships.

Develop personal relationships
Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar career goals and interests. First and foremost, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships but it may also lead to social relationships with peers in your industry.

Now that we’ve assessed the benefits of networking, here are some tips to up your game and make a positive, lasting impression.

• Don’t dismiss anyone as irrelevant. Everyone in the accounting industry had to start somewhere, so if you are a senior figure and you are speaking to a fresh graduate then do not dismiss them as unimportant. Many firms that I recruit for often ask for feedback from the receptionist on how a candidate interacted with them. Treat everyone the same, regardless of title.
• Let the other person speak. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. The key to a conversation is being a good listener – the more you listen, the more value you will get from speaking to someone.
• Follow up. If you say you are going to do something, then do it. This could mean making an introduction for someone via email. Everyone is busy nowadays but these small acts could make a huge difference to a fellow accountant. If you are new to the accounting profession and received a business card from a senior figure in an accounting firm then a follow up is essential. One follow up email could change your life forever.

For more information how put your best foot forward at the next networking event or to discuss the market and roles that are currently available, please contact us on 03 9946 7300 or support@lawsondelaney.com.au

Lawson Delaney is a leading executive search and professional recruitment firm based in Melbourne. We specialise in recruiting CEOs and leadership teams, and accountants of all seniorities for Accounting firms.